Eternal life and know the only true God

Know now then that the Lord your God is the only true God! He is the faithful God, who keeps the covenant and proves loyal to everyone who loves him and keeps his commands—even to the thousandth generation! ~ Deuteronomy 7:9 (CEB)

Jesus prays: This is eternal life: to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you sent. ~ John 17:3 (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

The only way to really live is to know the only true God.

PRAYER:

Lord, you are the only true God. And you sent your son Jesus Christ into the world to demonstrate how deeply true you are. I'm grateful for the new life that I have because of him. I want to tell everyone about how true and faithful you are -- about how Christ died to save us -- and rose from the dead to start the new creation. But I am afraid that people won't understand -- that they will think I'm weird. Help me to get past that fear so I can enjoy the eternal life that is already mine. Amen.

Radical grace

It’s criminal to ignore a neighbor in need, but compassion for the poor—what a blessing! ~ Proverbs 14:21 (MSG)

Make sure no one repays a wrong with a wrong, but always pursue the good for each other and everyone else. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:15 (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

God is calling us to pursue the well being of everyone -- especially the poor and those who have harmed us.

PRAYER:

Lord, I'm grateful that you have taken such good care of me. I confess that it is hard to care for others -- especially those who have been mean to me and those who are always needing help because they are lazy. But your message is clear. Your grace is bigger than all of the shortcomings of people. Help me to accept your radical message of pursing good even for bad people. I know that it will have to be Christ living in me to make that happen. Amen.

New attachment

Plow up the hard ground of your hearts! Do not waste your good seed among thorns. ~ Jeremiah 4:3b (NLT)

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. ~ Romans 12:2 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

Let God change your hearts so that you relate to the world differently.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for planting your seed in my life. I need help so that it does not go to waste. I'm still too attached to the way the world does things. Change me into a new person -- really new. I want my life to please you. Amen.

Asking for wisdom

The 6th Sunday of Easter

The Lord appeared to Solomon at Gibeon in a dream at night. God said, “Ask whatever you wish, and I’ll give it to you.” And Solomon said … Please give your servant a discerning mind in order to govern your people and to distinguish good from evil, because no one is able to govern this important people of yours without your help.” ~ 1 Kings 3:5,9 (CEB)

But anyone who needs wisdom should ask God, whose very nature is to give to everyone without a second thought, without keeping score. Wisdom will certainly be given to those who ask. ~ James 1:5 (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

God will give you the wisdom you need -- if you ask for it.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank you for your generosity. I confess that I think I am wiser than I am. So, I am slow to ask for your wisdom. That gets me into all kinds of trouble. I say things I shouldn't say and get involved in matters I should be avoiding. If it is not too late, I'm going to take you up on your offer and ask for your wisdom. I'm going to count on you rather than me. Amen.